Frans de Saive

In the collection of the family of the present owners since at least the early 20^th century.

The canvas has an old lining which is stable. The painting is in very good overall condition, with a beautifully preserved paint surface. There is a layer of old dirt and dirty varnish which should be removed. There are some scattered small restored damages, none of which are serious in nature and which fluoresce under ultra-violet light.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

We are grateful to Dr. Sam Segal for endorsing the attribution to Frans de Saive, an artist accepted into the Antwerp guild of painters in 1599 and probably the younger brother of Jean-Baptiste Saive. Several motifs in this work recur in an Allegory of the Four Seasons that Dr. Segal has also attributed to Frans de Saive, sold in these Rooms, 10 July 2008, lot 154.